Clark Savage Jr., or ìDocî as he was widely known, made his first of 181 pulp appearances in the March 1933 issue of Doc Savage magazine. Doc was joined by his five brilliant-minded aides ó Renny, Johnny, Long Tom, Ham and Monk ó and sometimes his younger cousin, Pat Savage. The team, financed by ancient Mayan riches, traveled the world for the excitement of righting wrongs, in accordance to Docís creed (see below).

Doc Savage and his team were guided a simple creed, created by writer Lester Dent:

Let me strive every moment of my life, to make myself better and better,
to the best of my ability, that all may profit by it.
Let me think of the right and lend all my assistance to those who need it,
with no regard for anything but justice.
Let me take what comes with a smile, without loss of courage.
Let me be considerate of my country, of my fellow citizens and my associates in everything I say and do.
Let me do right to all, and wrong no man.